And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~ Kahlil Gibran



Sunday, January 20, 2008

Per Dr. Lisa's Orders

I always try to follow doctor's orders. So when Dr. Lisa told me I needed to go somewhere warm to treat my recent illness, I did my best to comply. I was unable to leave the Sprouts behind, but I did bring along a built in sproutsitter to distract them (Thanks, Dad). I spent 2 hours wandering Como Zoo's Marjory McNeely Conservatory and the new Tropical Encounters exhibit.


Since outside here in MN it is a couple of degrees below zero (with a windchill of MUCH colder), the 80 degree temps and very high humidity of the conservatory were very welcome.

I was really impressed with the Tropical Encounters exhibit. It is small, but there is no shortage of things to look at. They have two huge tanks full of fish and turtles, a couple of pythons, a tarantula, and birds flying all over. Every few minutes "misters" would kick in, sending out a very fine warm mist of water. It created a cool kind of fog effect, and felt so good on dry skin and throats!






My favorite room is the "Fern Room". There is something in the smell of all that water, ferns, and moss that just soothes my soul. I could have sat there all day.

Another fun garden is the "North Garden". Here they grow starfruit, papaya, cacao, peppermint, and many other edible and medicinal plants. This is also where the Koi pond is. The best part of the Koi pond is that you can stick your finger down into the water and the fish (very gently) nibble on your fingers. Guaranteed a hit with youngsters! Of course Little Sprout wanted to grab the "shshes" and take them out of the water, but luckily for the fish her arms weren't quite long enough.


I couldn't believe how much willpower it took to keep myself from burying my hands in the dirt and just rolling around in it. Spring can't come too soon for me, but at least now I feel better that I have smelled green growing things.

7 comments:

Lisa said...

I commend your creativity in finding a solution to your illness! Well done, dear patient!

jenny said...

Sounds like a fun day-- even being sick and all. I hope you're feeling better soon. We all have the sniffles here and like you, I look forward to warmer weather!

Deb said...

I just may have to put that on my "to do" list next time I'm in the Cities! Glad you had the chance to smell green stuff and dirt.

Mama Tango said...

Yes, I'd have to say that looks grand. Maybe we'll try that next time we're up north.

I hope the time in the warmth and the hope of spring renewals has made your illness waiver.

RuthieJ said...

What a pretty place! The Sprouts look pretty happy too!

Wendy said...

Is it possible for you to have a greenhouse somewhere ... perhaps where you've built your garden beds? They can be really rudimentary and inexpensive (just plastic over 2x4's), but even during a MN sunny winter day could be just what you need with regard to having the feel of warm hummus ;). Our chicken run is protected from snow and wind by just a thin plastic, and while not "warm", even with all of the snow and below freezing temperatures, the ground in there is still not frozen.

Sounds like an incredible place :), and it looks like everyone had fun.

barefoot gardener said...

Lisa-
*Barefoot Bows*

Jenny-
Hope you all get over the sniffles soon!

Deb-
I think you would enjoy it. The new spring flowers should be in the Sunken Garden soon, so that might be a good time.

Cat-
I hope you do visit, and I hope you enjoy it when you do. I think the best part is it's so cheap. They ask a donation be made of $2 for adults and $1 for kids. I always put in a little extra as a hedge against the times when I just HAVE to go, but am broke and can't donate :-)

Ruthie-
It is very pretty. They have benches everywhere, and lots of people just pick a bench and sit for hours.

Wendy-
I would love a greenhouse, and plan to make one when I own a place. Right now I am doing all my garden over at my folks' place, and though they are very willing to let me garden, I don't know how they would feel about a greenhouse in the backyard.